Ortom refutes Buhari’s claims, says no cattle routes in Benue

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has denied the existence of cattle routes in the state as claimed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ortom said the present day population of the state could not have accommodated the cattle routes, if at all, it existed before now.

President Buhari had on Wednesday during a live program, “Meet the Candidates” on Nigerian Television Authority, spoke about the issue of cattle routes in Benue State.

But Ortom at the NKST Church, Buruku, while interacting with the officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said that at the time such routes were contemplated in the 1960s, the entire population of the country was about 40 million, while the current population is now about 200 million.

He expressed disappointment in the overall performance of the President which he described as a confirmation of what the first lady said that cabals had taken over the government.

The governor also accused Buhari of not giving Benue people when they needed it most while saying his reelection would bring developments to Benue state.

Read also: Curfew imposed in Taraba following clashes between APC and PDP supporters

“This development coupled with the deliberate neglect of  Benue people by not giving them strategic positions in government prompted me to seek an alternative platform on which to pursue my re-election bid.

“I appeal to the people to seize the opportunity of the general elections this year to vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party who will protect their interests and guarantee their survival,” Ortom stated.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now